SHIFT LEADER:
LASHAWN LONG
“I knew nothing about foundries…
and now I’m growing every day.”
LASHAWN’s PATH at a Glance:
Role: Third Shift Lead, Heat Treat
Company: Eck Industries
Career Start:
Education:
Path: Electrical Assembly → Foundry (Entry-Level) → Heat Treat → Shift Leader
Had the Skills, Just Didn’t Know Where They Fit
“I do have a mechanical background… I’m comfortable with tools.”
Before stepping into metalcasting, LaShawn was already working with his hands. He had experience building motor control stations and a background in mechanical and construction-type work. He was comfortable with tools, problem-solving, and figuring things out on the fly.
What he didn’t have was any exposure to foundries. He hadn’t heard of metalcasting. He didn’t know what the work looked like or what it would require. But when the opportunity came up, he took the chance anyway. That combination of mechanical instincts and the willingness to try something new ended up being exactly what he needed.
Took a Chance on Something Completely New
“This is my first experience working in a foundry. I never even heard about it before.”
LaShawn was new to the area and got connected to Eck Industries through his father-in-law who used to work there. At the time, he was really just trying to get in the door somewhere.
What he found was an environment where he could learn quickly and contribute, even without prior experience. Being completely new to metalcasting, he had to learn everything, from the terminology to the processes. But the team supported him every step of the way.
Learn Fast. Grow Faster.
“Any question I have, they’re more than willing to help… it’s a day-by-day learning process.”
Learning a new industry can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to be good at it right away. But LaShawn found a team that made that process manageable. They encouraged all of his questions and were always available to help. Perfection was never the expectation.
That day-by-day learning added up quickly. Within a couple of years, he moved from being completely new to the industry to leading the 3rd shift heat treat operations, a critical stage where parts are hardened to customer specifications through chemical processing.
Now, his role is to assess what needs to be done, guide his team, and make sure everything meets the standards required.
A Career Built on Teamwork and Challenge
“A lot of the work is teamwork… and if you like a challenge, this is the work.”
The work LaShawn does isn’t something you can do alone. Heat treat requires coordination, communication, and attention to detail. Parts are heavy, processes are controlled, and the margin for error is small. That means people rely on each other to get the job done right.
For someone who enjoys working with others and solving problems in real time, that’s part of what makes the job rewarding. Every day brings something new to figure out. And that challenge is what keeps it interesting.
You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
“I knew nothing about it… but now I’m in a position where I’m growing daily.”
LaShawn didn’t start with a plan to work in metalcasting. He didn’t know what the industry was or where it could take him. What mattered was being willing to try something new, and sticking with it long enough to learn. Now, he’s built a path that offers growth, responsibility, and the opportunity to lead.
For anyone unsure about their next step, LaShawn’s story shows that you don’t have to have everything figured out. You just have to be willing to start.
